Indica Vs Sativa

Sativavs Indica What’s the difference?

When it comes to the difference between indica and sativa not only do these two varieties do different things to your body when consumed there are several other interesting differences between sativa and indica strains from taste, to smell to where they originated and why. Anyhow not all of these methods are surefire ways to differentiate between Indica vs Sativa varieties but these 10 facts could definitely help you identify their differences.

1. Flavor

There are more marijuana strains on the planet now than ever. And the same could be said about their unique individual flavors. Luckily there are some classic tastes associated with Indicas and Sativas. Indica strains are typically sweet and fruity. Among them you’ll find all sorts of berry flavors including blueberry, blackberry and strawberry. You’ll even find grape flavors—especially when it comes to purple weed varieties and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. Sativa varieties are typically very piney and earthy. Think of a skunky, danky Christmas tree. When it comes to debates about indica vs sativa the one about which one tastes better takes the cake.

2. Geographic Origin

Indica – Originated in the rocky and environmentally hostile Hindu Kush region of Afghanistan (180 degrees from Nor Cal)
Sativa – Originated in the tropics near the equator in places like Colombia, Mexico, Thailand and Southeast Asia

Indica plants originated from northern India and the area formally known as Persia. The growing conditions in the mountainous regions of Asia can be demanding for vegetation. That’s why Cannabis Indica plants have evolved into a hardy variety that matures early and generally shows moderate resistance to mold. Mature plants yield heavy resinous flowers and are ideal for indoor cultivation due to their shorter size and high THC production.

Sativa plants originated from equatorial regions where the growing season has relatively even photoperiods. This results in day and night cycles that are almost the same length year round. This means sativa varieties from these equatorial regions can complete their vegetative growth stage under a 12-hour light regime. The flowering is only triggered in the plant after it has thoroughly completed vegetative growth.

3.Leaf Shape

Indica – Broad and fat leafSativa – Thin and slender leaf

When it comes to indica vs sativa spotting the difference is easily accomplished. Probably the simplest way to tell if a healthy marijuana plant is Indica or Sativa is to look at the shape of its leaves. Cannabis sativa plants have long, thin leaves and loose flower clusters. You could almost describe them as wispy. Cannabis Indica plants are characterized by broad maple-like leaves and tight bud formations.

4.Plant Height

Indica – 3-4 ft.
Sativa – Up to 10 ft.

If you’re wondering which to grow, indica vs sativa, because of height restrictions pay attention. Because the flowering time for sativa varieties is only triggered in the plant after it has thoroughly completed vegetative growth they have a tendency to get really tall. This makes sativas easier to grow outdoors because there’s no ceiling. The growing conditions in the mountainous regions of Asia, where Indica varieties stem from, can be demanding for vegetation. That’s why Indica plants have evolved into a hardy variety that stays small and matures early.

5. Flowering Time

Indica – 8 to 12 weeks
Sativa – 10 to 16 weeks

When it comes to the difference between indica and sativa flowering time is key differentiator. Flowering is the growth stage when a healthy weed plant begins to produce resinous buds. Because Sativa plants originate from places that have really long summer periods they take a much longer time to finish flowering. The opposite is true about Indica varieties. However there are a ton of hybrid weed strains out that posses some of the favorable qualities of sativa strains combined with the fast flowering time of Indicas.

6. Yield Size

Of course the bigger the plant the bigger the harvest. Or as Danny Danko from High Times would say, “More root. More fruit.” Pot plants in small containers will obviously not grow as large as plants in bigger containers. One thing that we’ve noticed from growing weed over the years is that the biggest, most dense buds are usually the ones most susceptible to bud rot issues. When buds begin to rot it usually happens from the inside out. After that they’re useless, should be plucked off and thrown out. Anyhow what is the difference between indica and sativa yields? Well an indica could possible produce twice the amount of weed that a sativa plant could produce.

7. Compounds

Indica – CBD
Sativa – THC

When it comes to the indica vs sativa debate another key difference between sativa and indica is that sativa strains have a higher ratio of THC, the stuff that gets you high, to CBD—the stuff that doesn’t. In fact CBD will not produce a psychoactive high at all. It actually mitigates the effects of THC. As a result CBD has anti-anxiety and anti-epileptic effects. These are just two reasons why marijuana patients may prefer one strain over the other or even a hybrid that delivers the benefits of them all. Confused about CBD vs THC? Don’t be, dude. Check out our post CBD vs THC What are the Differences to get the low down on these two cannabinoids.

8. Indica vs Sativa Effect

Another key difference between sativa and indica is their effects on the user. Many stoners plan their days around weed—especially since Indica and Sativa deliver such opposite effects. Many pot smokers will tell ya that Indica weed helps them sleep and gives them a more relaxed, sedated, full-body high. They report that the opposite is true for Sativa weed. A Sativa high is a more energetic, cerebral high making it more appropriate for daytime.

9. Symptom Relief

Indica and Sativa strains both help alleviate symptoms like pain relief, nausea and loss of appetite. So what’s the difference between indica and sativa when it comes to delivering relief? Well they each have their own unique specialties. Indica strains make most stoners sleepy so they work well for treating insomnia. And because they’re great for relaxation, typically delivering a full-body stone, they also help quell a spell of anxiety. However because Sativa weed delivers an uplifting buzz they’re great for depression and other mood disorders. Also because smoking Sativa strains result in an energetic high they’re great for combating fatigue.

10. Strain Names

Indica – Kush
Sativa – Haze

indica and sativa strains typically have different naming conventions. Indica being associated with Kush strains (because they originated in the Hindu Kush mountain region) and Sativa weed strains being associated with the name Haze is a convention that’s hung around for ages. However with weed strains being named Green Crack, Alaskan Thunderfuck, God’s Pussy—weed names are out of control. There are weed strains named after big-time celeb stoners like Tommy Chong, Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg even less-known stoners like Charlie Sheen and Chuck Norris. Dudes are even naming weed after dead celebs like Bob Marley—all in the name of marketing.